One thing that is growing more rare at DEFCON is the sense of rebellion against an oppressive government. I have noticed this developing over several years. I makes me sad to see but it is the normal process of life.
Young people are short in vision and lacking in understanding. They see something wrong and want to fix it, now. Often what they see as being wrong is what keeps them from satisfying their self-centered wants. If that can be presented in such a way as to sound like it will benefit all of mankind it is a win/win for them and a potential disaster for everyone else. The enthusiasm and idealism of youth can be refreshing and can motivate change. That is good. Since they don’t get the big picture it can also have the opposite effect.
Young people grow up. That is happening at DEFCON. Many are marrying and having children. Many are buying homes and gathering some wealth. Most are in jobs that pay well and allow them to live their dream of techno-toys piled in every corner. All of that means that they now have something to lose. It is one thing to defy the government when you still have peach fuzz on your chin, live out of a backpack, can’t buy your own booz, think you are immortal and have mommy drive you to DEFCON. It is another thing to defy the government when they can get you fired, put a lien on your house, and put you on a no-fly list. It is hard to call for revolution when you have a mortgage and two children looking to you for security and support. It is a natural process.
At the same time I miss the sense of correcting evil and not knuckling under to the man. More and more often they are looking to the government for answers instead of seeing the government as the limiter of freedom. There are fewer sessions at DEFCON involving politics and warnings against loss of liberty. There are more calls for redistribution of wealth instead of destruction of regulations.
I will keep attending as long as my son is willing. I will continue to see the potential of the hacker community. I will continue to hope. I will mourn the loss.
homo unius libri
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